Coronavirus Can Be a Catalyst to Promoting Freedom and World Peace

In 1985, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev took a break from formal negotiations. According to Gorbachev, Reagan asked him if the Soviet Union would help the US if there was an alien invasion. Gorbachev said, “No doubt about it.” Reagan said, “We too.” “So that’s interesting,” said Gorbachev, and they both laughed. That was the turning point in ending the Cold War — having a common enemy that could end the world as we know it.

“So that’s interesting,” said Gorbachev.

The novel coronavirus is a common enemy for every country in the world. Our leaders can leverage it. We can accept help and give help internationally. As we come out on the other side two years from now, we need to be in a stronger position internationally, with the respect of people living in Western democracies as well as those under authoritarian rule.

If the United States wants to protect and spread our ideology, we have to show the people of the world that it’s better. Democracy is more compassionate because people rule themselves. We can protect our citizens. We can combat adversity with open and free collaboration in science, not afraid to speak the truth. Our society spurs innovation because we promote all viewpoints, from all different types of people, because we are all equal.

Our way of life is at risk. To protect it, we need to get this virus under control. Science the heck out of it, and tech it all up. We are really good at that. Everyone is tracking the mortality rate around the world. If we cannot demonstrate that a democracy protects its own people, then we lose credibility. If we let China win the battle in this common war, democracy loses credibility.

To protect our liberties, we must get this under control immediately and show the world that a free society doesn’t mean an ineffective government. Get away from pure propaganda, partisanship, and politics. Let’s show our truth, compassion, and science.